Timothy Murphy allegedly paid to receive Covid jab on other man’s behalf

A blind, homeless Melbourne man was allegedly paid to get a Covid jab on behalf of another man — and a court heard police fear the “jab-for-cash” scheme will continue.

Tim Murphy leaves the Frankston Police station on bail. Picture: Wayne Taylor

A Melbourne father has been accused of a jab-for-cash scheme where he was paid to get a Covid vaccine on behalf of another man who is believed to have needed it for his job.

Timothy Murphy, 36, allegedly pocketed $300 to attend the 10.50am vaccination appointment for another man at the Direct Chemist Outlet in Dingley Village on September 28.

Police allege Mr Murphy purported to be the man, rolled up his sleeve and received a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

On his arrest at the Frankston Hotel where he was staying on Wednesday, Mr Murphy declined to comment on the allegations.

The shocking details emerged as the former concreter appeared in Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with deception offences, including obtaining property by deception and causing a false document to be created.

Detective Senior Constable Craig Ferris told the court he had “strong concerns” Mr Murphy would continue to get jabs on behalf of others if released on bail.

“It certainly seems to be something that he’s doing on a semi-regular basis at the moment, so that he can receive cash payment,” Det Ferris.

“There are considerable issues around that — both criminally, as well as from a health standpoint.”

Tim Murphy allegedly rolled up his sleeve and received a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on someone else’s behalf. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Text messages between Mr Murphy and the man who paid him revealed the pair exchanging details for the appointment and cash drop-off point, he said.

“To be considered fully vaccinated, an individual needs to obtain two vaccinations, which when recorded with Medicare, automatically generates a vaccination status document in the name of the individual vaccinated,” Det Ferris said.

“In the state of Victoria, depending on the employer requirements or occupation, a particular individual may be required to obtain the vaccine to maintain employment status.

“For myriad reasons, there are members of the public who are against receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.”

The court heard Mr Murphy’s alleged conduct “undermined the national public health initiative” urging people to get vaccinated to ensure Australians remain safe from the virus.

Det Ferris said Mr Murphy was an unacceptable risk of endangering the safety and welfare of the public, failing to answer bail and committing further offences if bailed.

He said the father of two had only been released from custody on bail for “a matter of hours” when he went to the chemist and got the jab.

Lawyer Hannah Canham, for Mr Murphy, said there was no evidence to suggest her client was running an elaborate scam, with the charge relating to just one jab on one date.

“This is not offending that’s said to be driven by ideological grounds — nor is it offending motivated by greed or a profligate lifestyle,” Ms Canham said.

She said her client was homeless, legally blind, having been born with the eye condition, nystagmus, and was on a disability support pension.

She said it was also his first time in custody and that he had found his one night on remand in a police cell “a distressing experience”.

Magistrate Julian Ayres granted bail, citing Mr Murphy’s limited priors and the fact he was at risk of spending more time on remand than any sentence if the charges were proven.

Mr Murphy will return to court in December.